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Abdu Malahi Obituary
Growing up, Abdu A. Malahi struggled to combine the traditions and culture of his native Yemen with the swagger of a kid raised in Brooklyn, one who loved Prince and played the keyboard in a makeshift band. He dreamed of becoming a recording engineer, said his childhood friend and bandmate Edward Perez, and it seemed that Mr. Malahi was finally able to reconcile those roles in his job as an audio-visual engineer at the Marriott Hotel.
His dedication was evident: if a conference or a meeting was not successful, Mr. Malahi "would take it to his heart," said his friend and manager, Vipan Khullar. On Sept. 11, Mr. Malahi ignored warnings to flee the building and stayed to help evacuate the hotel guests.
Mr. Malahi, 37, was a serious person, his father, Ali, said. His playful side came out only when he was with close friends or his wife, whom he met when he spent some time in Yemen a few years ago, and his two sons. His wife and sons still live there; Mr. Malahi was trying to get visas for them to come to the United States.
But his formality did not necessarily push people away. Sometimes it drew them closer. "He was so formal in his letter writing; he would always start with `Greetings,' " Mr. Khullar said. "Even if it was just a note to accept a meeting, he would say, `Greetings, yes, I will meet you at that time.' That's something that always impressed me about him."
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Kirk Gulliksen
September 11, 2019
My name is Kirk and I wanted to let Abdu's friends and family now that I climbed to the top of my building in Phoenix today in his honor. So sorry for your loss.
Nick H
September 5, 2019
Abdu Malahi is a hero who saved many people during the attacks of 911. He will always be a hero of the American people and be remembered by his friends and family as someone very important to them. I am very grateful for his sacrifice and am sending my prayers to his loved ones.
Kindred Family
October 16, 2018
So sorry for your loss. We send our continued sincere condolences to your family for the loss of Abdu. He touched the lives of others and will not be forgotten.
Jamelah Malahi
September 13, 2015
Missing you becomes harder each year.. Although we are still grieving, stuck in the denial phase..
You're always in my sincere thoughts and prayers. Not a day goes by & I don't pray for you. You were not only a first cousin to me, but a true brother.
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Anita Wallace
September 11, 2015
Abdu was a kind person. I knew him through work (Marriott Audio Visual). When he had a question about equipment, he called my office. It's heart-breaking to know that he died--not surprising he was saving others in the process. I've never forgotten that I knew him...
s j. Friscia III
July 11, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Ashley Vargas
May 15, 2014
This man right here, is a true hero. If it wasn't for him my dad wouldn't be alive right now. He saved my fathers life that day. Thank you so much Abdu, you are always in our hearts. We truly love you and miss you.
Keith Dumpson
September 12, 2011
It's Been 10 years & I Think about you all the time. I still have great memories of you & the love & kindness you gave to everyone including me. You will always be in my heart & soul & I was BLESSED to know there was an Angel In my life that went home. Love Always Keith Dumpson
Jamelah Malahi
September 12, 2011
My dear cousin Abdu Malahi was an educated elite-who was employed at the Marriot World Trade Center in NY as an Audio-Visual Engineer.
He died that day saving the lives of others not thinking of his own-He had plenty of time to get out of the hotel but he stayed behind.
The Marriot Hotel in WTC was in full capacity It had over 1000 guest, 22 Floors 825 Rooms-It was connecting to the North&South Tower. It was a 4 diamond hotel located in the heart of NY.
Running up & down the stairs 22 floors Flights of stairs knowing the building corner by corner with no lights electricity or elevators everything was shut off.
As Fire fighters & Police officers rushed in, this unspoken Hero will direct them & Lead them through the Emergencies plans & exits.
As an Engineer he was one of the Few who knew the building blindly-So he took it upon himself as an Honorable Muslim to evacuate each Hotel guest as his duty & so he did just that.
Please take a moment to remember those who were lost & their families..
Abdu was not a fire fighter nor a police officer yet fought to the last minute to rescue guest of the Marriot WTC
Jerry Meza
September 11, 2011
My friend Abdu.....
We love, respect and honor all that you have generously shared with us during your life.
Peace be unto you my friend.
CRANSTON BALLOU
September 11, 2011
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
CRANSTON BALLOU
September 11, 2011
ABDU,
IT WAS A GREAT HONOR TO WORK SIDE BY SIDE WITH YOU AT THE WTC MARROITT. YOU ARE TRULY MISSED. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR LOVED ONES..REST IN PEACE
Yoram Yanay
September 6, 2011
Abdu was not only a great person to work with and a dedicated professional, but also an extremely pleasant person to be around, talk to, laugh with and explore the city at night. One of the best people I met in NYC. When the towers were hit, it was Abdu who went room to room, floor by floor at the Marriott WTC, knocking on doors and waking up guests who were amazingly still asleep after the south tower was hit. I assume many owe Abdu their life. He was one of the last people to leave the hotel building. I will always remember you Abdu. Rest In Peace
jamelah malahi
July 20, 2011
Your in my prayers and thoughts, there is not one day that you don't cross my mind... I miss you so much, when I close, i see you and remember your warm, genuine, loyal smile. May heaven shine on you!
K F
March 15, 2011
Yo Ab,
If Heaven has a stoop, I am sure everyone is sitting around and listening to you; just like on 40th St. The next time I round 6th Ave, at dinner time, and watch the burnt orange Sun set behind Bush Terminal, I will know that it is rising on the other side to greet you. I hope you are saving a good spot for me, for down the road.
My time with you never ended.
Your Pal,
K
Elhim Elhag
March 7, 2011
From my heart with love, I miss you.
Frank Pomata
November 30, 2010
Abdu - I am so very sorry to learn of your passing my childhood friend. Though we lost touch when I moved from Brooklyn, I would think of you from time to time. You were on my mind so I decided to Google your name and that is how I learned of your passing on 9/11. I grieve for you and will keep you in my heart and memories -- of playing stickball and handball and of your kind mother always trying to feed me unfamiliar delicacies.
malek malahi
September 21, 2010
Iam malek abdu malahi
abdu my father
Joe Diaz
September 11, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your passing. Although we didn't know each other very well, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Angel Berrios
September 11, 2010
Still thinking of you my brother. Miss you.
Elhim Elhag
December 13, 2009
Your memories live strong within my heart and soul. I miss you presence more and more each day. RIP Abbey, I'll never forget you.
December 13, 2009
In my heart and soul your memories live strong. I love you and miss you so much. RIP Abbey.
Paul Pemberton
September 12, 2009
Yo Abbey,
Still thinking about you and will never forget the 30 something years we shared together. From kindergarten, mischief in sunset park, to being club kids in the city, and finally best friends again as adults.
I will always cherish those memories and was lucky to have you in my life.
Keith Dumpson
March 17, 2009
Oh my There nothing but sadness in my heart . I knew him at power play studios in queens and lost touch with him. I didn't know he pass at the world trade he will be miss i loved him as a good friend and my sympthy to his loved ones i'm totaly devestated.
Blanca Santiago
September 10, 2008
Hey Abdul,
Just wanted to say hi. I wish your family peace always.
and a toast to old good friends. cheers.
love Iris (Butterfly)
Joseph (PEP) Miglino
June 20, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Jamelah Malahi
February 3, 2008
Abdelsalam was a brother, friend and the best cousin a person could ever have. We lived in Yemen for a couple of years together. It was a very bad experience to live in a small village after being raised in the United States. But Abdelsalam made that time in Yemen the best times of our lives. We would watch movies together cook American foods trade English books, laugh and my father (his uncle) would tell us old stories & sing old songs. Etc. If we ever needed anything he would travel for hours just to go to the capital of Yemen (Sana’a) and buy it for us! He is the most trustful, respectful, generous man on earth. How could I forget a person like him?
You are in my prayers every time I knee for God. Your death is the saddest things that ever happen to our family. The way it happened! I truly miss you with all my heart. I wish your mother (my dear aunt) strength and Elham you beloved sister who misses you more then anything else in this world. Your wife and children can not believe you are gone…nobody can. May you rest in peace! I love you. Your cousin always,
Jamelah Malahi.
Angel Berrios
December 9, 2007
Just thinking of you
Elhim Elhag
January 4, 2007
They say "time heals the pain" I have learned the hard way how that saying is so untrue.It is if the pain grows more and more with out your presence each day.You are one that no person could ever forget.
P Tabbernor
December 18, 2006
In memory....
amina alassari
November 20, 2006
i knew abdul personally we grew up together well he was 10 years older but he was like the big brother i never had.he was always couragous even when he was younger.i remember there was a fire in his parents basement and he wouldnt leave until he helped everyone get out safely.he always made me laugh and i hope hes resting in peace right now.i love u abdul.
Kristine
November 14, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Djuwita Carney
September 20, 2006
May God protect his soul and also his beloved family.
Dewi K. Utama
September 20, 2006
To Malahi Family,
What a fine and courageous yet very kind man Abdu Malahi was. You must be very proud of him. I pray for his wife and sons, may they get what Abdu had planned for them.
Victoria Martinez
September 12, 2006
I never met Abdu but my friend Blanca (Butterfly) told me that he was an outstanding guy. Although I never met him I'm at a lost of words because nothing can heal the pain of loosing someone we love dearly. May he rest in peace. May his family find some peace in knowing that he watches from the heavens and he smiles upon those who remember and loved him. My condolences to his family. We will never forget!
dayer
September 11, 2006
RIP
gone but not forgotten
Abdu with our family...you will always be remembered Abdu
Blanca santiago
September 11, 2006
Dear Abdu,
It's been five years like my brother Angel said, and it's still very sorrowful knowing that you died the way you did, you will alwayts be missed, I know your parents loved you very much and miss you just as much, and I know your friends still mourn you to this day. I hope you are in peace. I saw your name today at the memorial at Ground Zero and I talked to you, I hope you heard me.
Love Iris (butterfly) and family.
angel berrios
September 11, 2006
five years later and it still hurts just as much. not only were you a great person, but your mom and dad were just as beautiful. me and the boys from bklyn will always remember.
Thomas Saunders
September 16, 2005
My wife Yanira, knew you and from our converstations I wish I would of had the opportunity to meet you. We would of gotten along pretty well. I have been told how kind of a man you were and how you helped others during the attack. She has told me many stories of you and how much of a "Happy Go Lucky" person you were. I will pay my respects to you once I am out of Iraq. My heart goes out to your family and your friends for their loss.
Yanira Mattei
September 10, 2005
I will never forget you my friend. Thank you for you & I thank God for you.
Ingrid Kirschbaum
June 9, 2004
To the Malahi Family:
I read about Abdu on several websites and felt compelled to extend my deepest sympathies and prayers.
He took his job seriously, and he saved many people on that terrible day. I hope you are all proud of him, and we are so fortunate to have had him in our world for as long as we did.
May God bless Abdu and take care of his family.
Jackie McCray
September 12, 2003
My prayers and condolences go out to the family of Mr. Malahi. He was a brave man who spent the last minutes of his life attempting to save the lives of others. One of those he saved was my nephew, Donn Monroe, who was a guest at the Marriott on 9/11. Donn was in his hotel room and was unaware of what was happening when Abdu came onto the floor and began calling out to see if anyone was still there. Finding my nephew, he instructed him on how he could get out of the building - thereby saving his life. Thank you Abdu Malahi for your concern for others and for saving Donn's life. May you rest in peace!
Leslie Ballard
May 20, 2003
Years ago, when Abdu was just persuing his dream of becoming a recording engineer, I had the good fortune to hire him as an intern in a studio I managed in NYC. He was an exceptionally bright, talented and mature young man -- very popular both with clients and staff -- always kind, gentle and yet professional. He stood out in the crowd as one who would succeed. Having lost touch with him after he moved on to other areas of the business, I often wondered what he had gone on to ... (it's not surprising that he would have held such a great job in this competitive city). I am heartbroken to hear the news of his passing, and sincerely wish his family, wife and children God's peace and love to heal.
Kishani Jayasinghe
March 7, 2003
I never knew you but by reading about you I realise that it is people like you who need to be commemorated for their true heroism. You were not a fire-fighter or a policeman but yet you fought to the last minute to rescue guests of the Marriott.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Wherever you are right now, I know you are at peace and that you'll be looking after your family always. God bless your beautiful soul.
Kevin Howard
January 30, 2003
Abdu,
I've always found you to be a remarkable human being. I've always admired your friendly nature and warm heart. Your integrity and your countenance made a strong impression upon me when I worked with you at the Marriott WTC. Your presence would always brighten up any room you'd enter. My heart-felt sympathy goes out to your family and loved ones. I will miss you but I'll always have your warm smile and compassionate personality to remember you!
GOD BLESS YOU ABDU!!!
Robert
December 14, 2002
I wanted to offer my condolences to the Malahi family. I read about Abdu on several websites and felt compelled to extend my deepest sympathies and prayers. He seemed like a wonderful human being. The world's loss is Heaven's gain. May God bless Abdu and take care of his family.
Javish Ortiz
September 15, 2002
I had the honor of working with abdu. I to was an employee of the Marriott World Trade. Abdu was every bit as noble and dedicated as was mentioned and then some. I will always remember him.
Dennis Wooldridge
September 3, 2002
From everything I have read and been told, you were a kind man who embodied the ideal of the unity of all mankind.
God's deepest blessings on you and your family-
susan koch
May 26, 2002
Abdu,you were an exceptional human being and a wonderful colleage.It was a privaledge to have known you. Working with you and getting to know you has left me with only happy memories. Your smile is something I truly will never forget.May you rest in peace.
Angie Campbell
May 6, 2002
May you rest in peace forever more.
Elizabeth Cacace
April 30, 2002
My sincere condolences and sympathies to the Family of Abdu. I worked with him in the past at the Marriott Hotel. He was a very nice and genuine person. It is such a tradegy to lose him. I will keep in him in my prayers. God Bless.
omar al yamany
March 11, 2002
Abdu A. Malahi May Allah Shower you with mercy and bliss your soul.May Allah give your wife the strenghth and stead afstenss.
February 27, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL GENTLEMAN..ABDU MALAHI AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE,..CHILDREN...FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF YEMEN.MAY GOD GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Ivette Velazquez
February 21, 2002
Oh God how sad..how very very sad it was to learn of your fate Abdu. I will never forget your beautiful smile..such a handsome young man with so much to live for. I pray that God keeps you safe and warm in his loving arms. May your wife have enough memories to share with your sons..they had a great father..maybe she will receive comfort in seeing that great smile on their faces. God bless you..the world has lost a terrific human being..how sad for mankind.
You will always be in my prayers.
Mark Foley
February 10, 2002
Greetings, I found and read the page about Mr. Malahi on the NY Times website. After reading that short insight into his life and personality, I wanted to express my sincere sympathy for his family's loss. I would have liked to have met Abdu.
Best regards,
Mark Foley
Tess Meza
January 3, 2002
You have forever changed our lives, especially that of my younger brother Jerry. The memory of your kindness, genorosity and humanity will always live on through him.
Thank You Abdu.
peace & love,
miss Tess
Teresa Jahn
December 23, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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